“Desire to keep the ball out of the net” Proved to be key in Aston Villa’s goalless draw with Wolves

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Yet another clean sheet for Dean Smith’s men sees the Villans reach 40 points for the campaign, however, the inability to put the ball in the back of the net hindered Villa’s ability to pounce on Wolves.

Ahmed Elmohamady featured in the West Midlands Derby following midweek defeat at Bramall Lane in which the Egyptian played a below-par performance, despite this the veteran of the game managed to showcase a much improved 90 minutes.

With the tough challenge of Pedro Neto and Adama Traore, the lack of pace in the Egyptian was a worry. However, Elmohamady managed to contain the tricky wingers of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Neto and Traore swapped wings a number of times in the clash in a bid to cause Matt Targett and the aforementioned experienced full-back some form of stress, much to Wolves’ disliking, Smith’s men coped well with the pressures that Nuno’s men threw at them.

In a game of two halves, neither side were able to tuck the ball into the back of the net. Although quite remarkably, Romain Saiss managed to miss the target from approximately two yards out. A vital chance which Wolves would go on to rue.

The Wolves boss felt that his side were much improved in the second-half:

“We finished the game pretty well, everything changed. We were much more organised and aggressive in the second half.”

“We had good chances and improved a lot, but we missed passes and had problems controlling play.”

Aston Villa’s manager had similar words to say as Nuno did:

“I think it was a game of two halves, we were very good the first 45 minutes. Probably as well as we’ve played since December I thought. There’s no denying they upped their performance in the second half.”

There’s been a strong desire over in B6 in their solid defensive performances, earning their 14^th clean sheet of the season against Wolves tonight:

“It’s been a really good team effort and the desire to keep the ball out the back of the net has been great.”

Villa’s robust defence has been key in their success this campaign, a much-improved side in comparison to a team that shipped 67 goals in 38 games. Thanks to Emi Martinez between the sticks and the defence in front of the Argentine.

Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa were not fortunate enough to put the ball in the back of the net, striking the woodwork twice in the first 45 minutes. Konsa almost had the pleasure of snatching all three points in the dying moments of the game in front of the Holte End, but his effort glared past the post and into the stands.

Morgan Sanson started his first game in Claret & Blue, showcasing his ability to dictate play and control the tempo from the off. The Frenchman linked up well with Douglas Luiz and John McGinn in Villa’s midfield trio, positive signs going forward for the £15 million signing in January.

Next up for Nuno’s Wolves is the visit of Jurgen Klopp at Molineux, at the moment, a game that could possibly swing in favour of the home side.

It’s a trip to St James’ Park for the Villans, facing off to former boss, Steve Bruce. A game in the club’s calendar that is a must-win fixture.

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